Honoring Excellence: Arizona Small Business Association Announces

Award Recipients for 2024 BIG Thank You Awards & Mixer Event



Phoenix, AZ –

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is proud to celebrate Arizona’s vibrant small business community at its annual BIG Thank You Awards & Mixer, an evening dedicated to honoring the entrepreneurs and leaders who drive Arizona’s economy and community.

This year’s BIG Thank You Awards & Mixer will feature the presentation of several awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the state’s small business landscape.


From small business owners and business mentors to economic development agencies and government leaders, ASBA will pay tribute to individuals and organizations fostering a thriving business environment for all.

The 2024 award recipients include:


· The Small Business Legacy Award: awarded to two ASBA members, Jonathon Strom, owner of Valley Bevelling Corporation and ASBA’s longest-standing member since 1982 and Connie Thompson Morrell, president of E&M Rigging Inc, in operation for over 30 years and dedicated to giving back to their community by supporting local organizations.


· The Legislative Advocacy Award: honoring Arizona State Representative Matt Gress and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego for their exceptional leadership and commitment to enacting policies that support and empower Arizona small businesses.


· The Small Business Changemaker Award: celebrating an Arizona small business that goes above and beyond in giving back to their community to create lasting positive change, awarded to the future first-place winner of ASBA’s Leaving Your Mark competition, to be announced at the BIG Thank You.


· The Rural Community Impact Award: presented to Mayor Mila Besich of Superior, Arizona, for her tireless efforts in fostering economic growth, tourism, and community development in Arizona’s rural regions, helping to revitalize communities across the state.


· The Economic Development Champion Award: recognizing the City of Suprise for its innovative strategies, resource allocation, and partnerships that contribute to an environment where entrepreneurs and small business owners can flourish.


· The Business Mentorship Excellence Award: awarded to Mark Mertel and David Pender, exemplary mentors in ASBA’s Growing Opportunities (GO) Program, for their exceptional dedication to providing personalized guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.


· The Arizona Business Ally Award: presented to the Arizona Commerce Authority for its commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities for Arizona businesses to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the state’s economic vitality.


· The Outstanding Partnership Award: honoring Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Airlines for their partnership and collaboration with ASBA, which has helped provide essential resources, educational opportunities, and benefits to ASBA members.


The BIG Thank You Awards & Mixer is free and open to ASBA members and the public. The event will take place on November 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the National Bank of Arizona headquarters (6001 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016). Guests will enjoy refreshments, light fare, and an evening of networking while participating in a silent auction to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. The auction will feature exciting items from local businesses, including a wine tour at Rune Wines in Sonoita, a getaway at the Lodge at 5600 in Pine, a gift certificate to Bruzzi Vineyard in Young and Superior, and a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, among others.


Join ASBA in celebrating the small businesses that make Arizona strong! For more information and to RSVP for free, visit asba.com/bty


About ASBA:

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) was founded in 1973 and serves as the collective voice of small businesses in Arizona by driving a better environment for all of us to do business. Today, ASBA is focused on delivering statewide education, mentoring, networking, and advocacy programs, providing innovative entrepreneurs with the resources necessary to grow and evolve in an ever-changing marketplace. For more information, visit asba.com.

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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